Yoga through Music: A truly head, hearts, hands experience
Yoga
Yoga is a constant learning experience for the mind and body. We are in charge of our breath, focus (drishti), and posture (asana). As we follow the asana practice through various postures, each posture represents different types of challenges, which are metaphorical to the challenges and obstacles we face in life. The goal however, is less about perfecting the posture and more about keeping a paced breath and steady balance by focusing on one spot no matter the next challenge. Through that perspective, I hope that the practice will help me stay centered and paced throughout any challenges life presents.
Yoga through Music
When I turned 40, I decided to embark on a quest for “brain yoga.” I had been researching and implementing various forms of “brain yoga” to optimize my brain. An inspiring episode on 60 Minutes compared brain scans of musicians versus non-musicians, showing stronger connections of the hemispheres in musician’s brains. While it may be harder as an adult because our brain cells are already developed, I wanted to work on making new and lasting neural connections.
So, I took my yoga approach and in turn applied it to learning an instrument. What better way to do that than with my A-team as my companions AND my teachers! Last February, the kids and I started taking harp lessons. For their little sponge brains, they are catching on more quickly that I am. But I am humbly working my way through learning to site read music, learning to connect my hands to the strings, first with the right hand, then the left, then both hands, measure by measure. This is my asana and focus, and it alone is a feat for me. Then comes the paced breath. I try very hard to make sure my timing is correct. Often times though, I forget to literally breathe and my Apple watch has to remind me — mid-song! There is still yet another layer of challenge and that is incorporating the dynamics. My hope is that all these layers of new learning will promote brain longevity. I realize I am no Bill Gates, but when he was asked what his greatest fear was, he paused, and then said, “I don’t want my brain to stop working.” That is one of my greatest fears too. I should mention that our Harp teacher, Donna, is 80 years-old and her brain is probably sharper than Bernie Sanders!
The entire experience of learning all the ingredients that go into playing even the most simple piece of music has been truly humbling. I have the greatest respect of musicians, including every child and master of all levels! But no matter the speed of my progress, it feels nice and meditative to be practicing with simple and small goals. I feel no shame in playing songs from a child’s beginner book, because even those songs are challenging and beautiful on the harp. Instead, I can play with patience, kindness and an open mind. And it’s nice that the kids can help me with songs they have just mastered.
Recitals
I recently had the pleasure of watching my kids perform solo on stage. Watching them bravely take the stage as a beginner harpist was inspiring for me and also a proud mama moment. A and X are introverts and not ready and willing to be the center of attention. We don’t get many opportunities to praise them for their solo performances other than report cards and their swim time improvements over the summers and they haven’t had many opportunities for piano recitals either. Luckily, the kids weren’t given the option of participation so I didn’t have to convince them (also, luckily, adult students weren’t required). But when our lovely teacher, Donna, asked Xander if he had any questions about the recital his response was “Yeah…my question is…why do I have to do it?” She laughed and then talked me through how to encourage and explain the importance of participating in recitals. And everything she said was true.
They would try on those feelings of nervousness and anxiety in a safe setting
They would get recognition for their work
They would see how much pride their parents and family members felt by watching them
They would see more advanced students perform, some with nerves and some with great confidence, and become motivated to improve.
And the children would feel they were part of a community of other aspiring musicians
Annika playing Beekeeping - First Harp Recital 2019
Young yogis raising older yogis
Watching the recitals of various levels of students also reinforced my interest in joining them on this musical journey. I decided to learn with them for several reasons. I love sharing activities with my kids in general. We practice yoga together, swim laps together and craft together. Now, I wanted to share music with them and I love that they are having the opportunity to “raise me”. They both help me with sight reading and music theory. Donna and my kids have patiently been helping me learn how to read music. The kids actually love “home schooling” me. Xander gives me “theory homework” and uses flashcards with me to memorize the notes and counting. Annika gives me lessons on the “white board” and claps out the counting. When I practice, I can honestly feel my brain exercising to exhaustion.
If you already play an instrument, I hope you keep playing. If you don’t, choose an instrument you have always wanted to play and try it out. Several times a week, create a quiet space for yourself with your instrument, a cup of warm herbal tea or coffee, sit by a window and play those beginner songs to your hearts content. And share your journey with me.